Gay Ad Network debuts for niche ad serving

Local newspapers, national magazines, Web sites and popular social networking services that cater specifically to the gay and lesbian communities have allied to create a new online media platform for national advertisers.

This niche online vertical advertising network is called Gay Ad Network, and is designed to serve relevant ads to the GLBT community.

With more than two dozen independent publisher partners representing over 200 Web sites, the Gay Ad Network aggregates gay information from mainstream social networking sites and a large number of smaller gay information, news, community and niche social networking sites under one umbrella. This gives online media planners a siloed platform to reach the gay and lesbian market.

Launch partners represented by Gay Ad Network include Window Media properties, such as Washington Blade, Southern Voice, New York Blade, Express South Florida, David Atlanta and Genre magazine.

Additional partners include RealJock.com, Out in America Network (a collection of local content Web sites), Connexion.org (a social networking service for gays and lesbians), OutSports (a gay sports community), GayCities (a gay travel community), Windy City Times, Bay Windows, Pride Source, Philadelphia Gay News, JustMen, TheLWordOnline.com, GayOrbit, !!omgblog!!, GayWeddings.com, Bgay.com, GayWebSource, The DataLounge and ProudParenting.com, a gay parenting network.

Gay Ad Network was founded by Mark Elderkin, a 13-year industry veteran and pioneer in developing gay online advertising and subscription-based businesses. As president of PlanetOut, Inc., Mark was responsible for global advertising sales, online editorial and business partnerships. Prior to his role with PlanetOut, he was CEO and founder of Gay.com, which he built into the largest gay online community.